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I am a Christian woman who loves her family and tries to live with a purpose. "I can do all things though Christ who strengthens me" Philippians 4:13

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Saturday, October 17, 2015

REALLY THREE DOLLARS!

I've been under the weather for the past two weeks and finally feeling like I might be on the up swing.  Having said that, I have to share the past three days.  On Thursday of the past week hubby, myself, brother in law, sister in law, daughter, son in law, and grandchildren headed out for a favorite pumpkin patch.  We stopped and picked up sandwiches, fruit, drinks and a few other goodies for our adventure.  An adventure it soon became.  About half way there the car hubby and I were in just stopped.  Luckily we were able to coast into a church parking lot (maybe not luck at all, maybe divine intervention.)  Calling the lead car we were able to get everyone back to our location.  All the men folk were under the hood trying to figure out what was wrong.  Daughter soon took the situation into hand by calling her car service for a tow.  While waiting for the tow truck of course several of the children now needed a bathroom.  The church we stopped at had a Life Center building and someone was there to let us in.  We explained our dilemma and they were kind enough to help us out.  When the tow truck arrived we now had a new problem.  There were more of us than seats in the second car.  So hubby and son in law rode back with the tow truck and the rest of us in the second car.  So home we all made it, grateful the car turned out to be the only problem.

So Friday we thought we would reattempt the trip; with only one errand we would be on our way.  Well so much for one errand.  Son in law who has health issues and myself found we were really not up for the trip after all.  Explaining to the children we would have to postpone again was unfortunate but they understood.  That brings us to today.  Not wanting to disappoint the children for a third day in a row, the adults decided to try this again without telling the children our final destination. 

Well we headed into town and stopped at a yard sale before heading to the local farmers market.  From there we were going to attempt the pumpkin patch for the third time.  As bad luck would have it, I started feeling under the weather again.  Not wanting to postpone the trip again, I asked to be taken home and for daughter, son in law and the children to go on.  Remember the children still don't know their final destination.  All agreed and home hubby and I went.  I can only say how much I would have loved to have been on the hay ride when I heard about number two grandsons conversation with the staff of the pumpkin patch and it was confirmed by him.  Oh and grandson number two is the ripe old age of six.

Grandson:  How much is this pumpkin (pie size pumpkin)?  Staff member:  How about eighteen dollars?  Grandson:  How about free?  Staff member:  How about fifteen dollars?  Grandson:  How about zero dollars and zero cents?  Staff member:  Nah it's a three dollar pumpkin.  Grandson:  Really? for this little thing!  I'll get a bigger one.  The larger pumpkins are sixty-nine cents a pound.  So down off the hay ride he went with little pumpkin in hand to find a more reasonable pumpkin to carry home.  Staff members:  (Laughing out loud and heard saying) there's a future car salesman.

I have always joked that I grew up in an area where no one ever paid retail.  I'm now thinking number two grandson will take that philosophy with him wherever he may go.  Oh and the car that broke down.  The timing went.

As much as I would like to grow pumpkins myself, I know that I shouldn't.  We would lose too many precious memories.

Have a Safe and Blessed day and remember share your knowledge.

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

A CHRISTMAS YOU CAN AFFORD

What do you do when there's so much rain and you can't do anything outside?  Well I went on google plus and started another community.  This one is called "A Christmas you can afford".  I thought I could share a few ideas my family and I have done over the years.  Christmas is and always should be about the birth of Christ.  Giving gifts for this celebration shouldn't financially break a family.  Unfortunately too often it does.  Like I've said in the past, as our family grew we decided to make homemade gifts for each other.  The kids have even gotten into it.  I know Christmas seems a long way off but it's not.  That is if you want to get started making gifts.  Time really flies when you're busy.  So if you're interested please go over to google plus and look for the community.  I'll try and post a few times a week and if you need more details please leave a comment.  I'll get back to you as soon as possible.  If you have any ideas you would like to share, I would be so happy to post them.


Oh and the rain is done.  We've had approx. twenty inches of the wet stuff in a week.  Even the ducks are saying enough.  There was some flooding in our area but not as bad as South Carolina.  Please keep all those folks in your prayers.

As always have a Safe and Blessed day and remember share your knowledge.

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

SUPER GLUED

So today number two grandson had a trip to the Emergency room of the hospital.  He was playing around in a chair and fell over backwards.  He cut his head and of course there was a lot of blood.  So much so he had to be washed down before going and have his clothes changed.  Luckily his head stopped bleeding fast.  Grandson number one let everyone know he told his little brother to stop.  But like most little brothers it fell on deaf ears.  Nevertheless he got it out it wasn't his fault.  This was all little brothers doing.

So off to the hospital daughter, son-in-law and number two grandson went.  On the trip to the hospital number two grandson had two observations.  The first was McDonalds address was 1600 and the second was he thought he was going to need a wheelchair when he got there.  The first was most likely because it was lunch time and the second well this is a six year old who asked for a CAT Scan when he was five. 

I love my grandchildren for a variety of reasons but the one that best fits now is, they do not lack for confidence.  Number two grandson in particular.  When called to the back, mom said lets go handsome boy.  To which he replied, "I am handsome."  Mom said you shouldn't say that.  His answer, "But it's true."  Humility is something we're going to have to work on. 

After a short wait, he was examined and super-glued (Dermabond) back together.  With the instructions to watch him over the next few hours and not to wash his hair or head for twenty four hours.  I guess when one is super-glued back together one must cure.  It amazes me what hospital staff can do now a days with super-glue.  I'm just thinking back to the days when it was first on the market and how many people found themselves at the hospital.  Mostly because well they super-glued something or other closed.  Maybe that's where they got the idea to start using super-glue.

So home they came.  In normal fashion number two grandson walked into the house full of personality.  Calling for number one grandson.  "Hey big bro I'm home.  I didn't get stapled, band aide or, or, or" (I said stitched) "yeah stitched.  I got glued."

What started out as a rough start to the afternoon, quickly became full of humor.  Learning to laugh at ones situation is the best way to get through life.  Without laughter the world quickly closes in on us, making us feel more and more overwhelmed.  Remember laughter is the best medicine.

Have a Safe and Blessed day and remember share your knowledge.

Monday, September 28, 2015

DEBBIE DOWNERS AND BORROWED SKILLS

Many of you know I watch youtube.com to learn new skills.  I'm one of the those who learn easier if I see how it's done rather than read how it's done.  Along the line I've found a few youtube channels I like to watch on a regular basis.  A couple of them I've shared with you. 

I like to share channels that encourage instead of well, being what we call Debbie Downers.  There are a few channels I've watched, which talk about homesteading and they love it.  However when they read messages from viewers as part of their show, they can be a little bit of a Debbie Downer when asked about starting a homestead.  I'm not trying to put down how anyone chooses to share information.  I just think more encouragement goes a long way.

As I've told you in the past, homesteading is hard and no one should jump all in.  It's the easiest way to become discouraged.  But starting is easy.  Think of the thing you most like about homesteading and start there.  Maybe it's canning or having a few chickens for fresh eggs.  Maybe you're a gardener and haven't grown produce before.  Whatever your interest, take your time and start with that.  Once you've become comfortable with that, move on to something else and so on and so on. You may also find there are some things you are not comfortable with or you don't like.  That's okay, all that means is you won't do those things on your homestead.

If you're considering moving to a large homestead make sure you're comfortable with the amount of work you will be doing.  Remember there will always be work to do.  Make sure you'll have the time.  Also be comfortable with your skills and those of whoever maybe helping you on the homestead.  You don't want to find yourself in a sink or swim situation and you don't want to find yourself depending on borrowed skills.  Borrowed skills are those where you or whoever is helping you have seen how it's done but haven't done it yourself.

Like I've said in the past, homesteading is the a way of life not a hobby.  It's extremely satisfying and fulfilling.  Giving you a great sense of accomplishment.  Also remember you don't have to do it all.  Maybe at this point in your life you're not able to homestead.   Whatever you're able to do, do it.  Don't wait for the perfect time because the perfect time will never come.   I know you can do it.

Have a Safe and Blessed day and remember share your knowledge.

Sunday, September 27, 2015

MAKE IT YOURSELF

Living in a small home you find sometimes standard size throw rugs don't fit the spaces you have.  Usually they're larger than you need.  Of course you could always buy the large one and cut it.  But I can't cut a straight line and I don't like spending money on things I'm going to throw away.  There's also the possibility if you cut it, it's going to unravel and well... 

But I needed (well really wanted) a throw, so what to do. I went to my stash of yarn and chose the colors I needed.  I used a variegated and solid 100% Acrylic worsted weight yarn.  With a crochet hook (K/10 1/2-6.50MM) I crocheted two skeins of yard at a time.  Using a single crochet I made the basic size I needed for my throw, remembering to leave space for a single skein border.  I chose to give the throw an inch and an half border also single crochet.  You could put any kind of border you want.  I'm not giving dimension's because you can make it any size you want.  If you are placing the throw on another rug or carpet you won't need to do anything else because it won't slip or slide.  However if you are placing it on a wood, tile or other slick floor then you will need to do one more thing.  Go to any discount, hardware or carpet store and purchase a piece of non-slip backer.  I'm not exactly sure what they call it but that's what it does.  Cut to the size you need (if your throw isn't too big take it with you).  Now you can just place it under the throw rug or you could if you were so inclined sew it to the back of your throw rug.  That all depends on how energetic you feel.  


There are several things that make me happy with the project.  The first is I made something I wanted instead of spending money.  Always a good thing.  Two I made it from left over yarn from other projects and saved money.  Third I can throw it in a washer when it needs to be cleaned and fourth it's customized to my needs.  It's the colors I wanted and the size I needed.

Don't be fooled into thinking you have to buy everything you want or need.  Have some confidence in yourself and your abilities.  Remember doing for yourself gives a great sense of accomplishment.

Have a Safe and Blessed day and remember, share your knowledge.

Sunday, September 13, 2015

HAVE I CREATED A DEHYDRATING MONSTER!

I've just read on a another blog, I've created a dehydrating monster.  I couldn't be more pleased.  One because she has just started homesteading and has started looking for ways to preserve for the winter.  Two and more importantly she is my very best friend.  So being told I've created a monster is one of the best compliments I could ever receive. 

It's been raining I think everyday for the past two weeks.  Some days all day long and others here and there.  But the here and there has come with tremendous downpours.  I've almost forgotten what it was like to walk without squishing.  I know the livestock feels the same way.  The weather man says the last of the rain ushered in a cold front and we'll have more fall-like weather.  I'm looking forward to that.

I think the thing I'm most looking forward to is sitting out in the evening with a nice cup of hot tea.  Possibly even a little fire in the pit.  If I haven't said it before, fall is my favorite season.  I can still have a little garden without the heat and of course for the reasons I've already stated.  There is one more reason.  AMERICAN FOOTBALL started today.  A long time fall Sunday family pastime.  From now until the Super Bowl in February 2016 Sundays will find this homestead first spending time with my GOD and then with the NFL.  I love fall.

Please take a minute and look at my friends blog, I think you'll like it.
 
As always have a Safe and Blessed day and remember share your knowledge.

Sunday, September 6, 2015

TASKS

I can't believe how fast fall is coming.  The funny thing is, this first week of September is proving to be much warmer than the last week of August.  Nevertheless, getting things ready for fall is at the top of the list.  Our dear goats have been quite feisty this summer.  The goat house has been gnawed and butted to the need of being repaired.  Normally this isn't the case but...   Last fall we built a new little shelter for a few of them.  I thought we had enough spare piece of wood about to complete it.  Guess again, so we used a few piece of pressed board and well as you know, it just doesn't last long.  That is with the natural elements and of course the help of a few goats. 

Also because of canning, dehydrating and rain I'm running just a bit late in getting the fall garden together.  So the next week will be dedicated to getting that done as well.  Thought I love the fall season, there is a lot of work that needs to be done.  I guess that comes with the change of each season as each season requires its' own specifics tasks. 

Working a Homestead no matter how small is a lot of work.  Saying that is not an overstatement.  But if you weigh the benefits against the negatives you will find it really is a healthier lifestyle.  Full on homesteading isn't for everyone but you don't have to do full on homesteading.  However you choose to improve your independence and self-reliance makes you a stronger and healthier person.

Choose something new to learn and have fun with it.

Have a Safe and Blessed day and remember share your knowledge.

Wednesday, August 26, 2015

RE-GROWING CELERY

I'm sure many of you already know this but I've just tried this and it works.  You know I've been dehydrating a lot lately.  One of the things I've been dehydrating is celery.  I love to put it in soups and stews and stuffing and..  Well I like it.  So one of my sisters-in-law shared a tip with me and I would like to share it with you.

When you cut the stalks of celery off, don't throw the bottoms away.  Place the bottoms of the celery in a shallow plate of water.  Check the celery bottoms every day or two.  Spritz the tops of the celery and make sure there is a enough water to cover the bottom of the plate and maybe just a bit more.  After about a week you will start to see new stalks of celery emerge.  At that time you will plant them in a pot or the ground.  Planting the bottoms up to the new growth.  I haven't planted mine yet, mostly because I need to find a place to put them but I will be doing it in the next few days.

I figure if I do this enough, between dehydrating and re-growing I'll never have to buy celery again.

Have a Safe and Blessed day and remember share your knowledge.


                                                                         BEFORE

 
AFTER

Saturday, August 22, 2015

FAMILY

I was just sitting here thinking about the title of my blog.  Old Way New Times and I was reflecting on the one thing that made the old ways work.  Simply put, FAMILY.  Family was what bound everyone together.  The word family, went without saying, I'm here for you.  No matter who you are, where you are or what mistakes you've made, I'm here.  Too many families have drifted apart.  Whether it be because of geographic differences or disagreements allowed to fester until all communication is gone.  All too many times someone can't or won't accept the flaws or decisions of another, (I'm not talking about drugs, alcohol or abusive behavior.)  I'm talking about the things we let irritate us.  Ambition, too much or the lack there of.  Money, making poor choices or holding it too close.  Life choices, promiscuity, divorces, or who someone falls in love with.  These things we know will never change but we still believe if so and so wants me in their life, they're going to have to change.  Most of the time it's because we want the best for them.  Sometimes it's because we feel used or betrayed.  Others it 's well, just our own selfishness.  But whatever the reason we are willing to cut them out of our lives.  Isn't it sad, when you think about it how little slack we are willing to give to the people closest to us.  Those whom we share memories, history, blood.  Those who know the best way to lift us up but rather tear us apart.

I come from a large family.  I have three brothers and one sister.  They are some of the sweetest, comical, frustrating and wonderful people you will ever want to meet.  Like most families, we fought like cats and dogs as kids.  But the one thing we all knew and so did the rest of the neighborhood.  We may fight amongst ourselves but don't you ever try to take one of us on.  Because before you knew it, all of us were there.  It really was a great feeling to know my family was always there.  A feeling for many I think has been lost.

We do go on with life.  We make strong bonds with friends.  Fill the hours with work.  Sometimes turn to alcohol and drugs.  But we just can't or won't take that step to be a family again.  Until we are willing to do just that, I fear we will never find the courage to make the hard choices anywhere else in our lives.

To my parents; I love you.  Thank you for the values you taught me.  The strength to stand for my convictions.  The courage to love and the ability to laugh when life is tough.

To my brothers and sister; I love you.  I always have and always will.  You make me laugh, you frustrate me to tears and you bring a joy to my life.  I've watched all of you grow into wonderful people.  To bring other wonderful and funny people to our family as you started your own families.

To my husband; I love you.  The one family member I chose, the one who loves me for all the things I am and all things I am not.  For fighting for me when I couldn't fight for myself.  But most of all for the beautiful family we made for ourselves.

To my children; I love you.  You have grown to be compassionate, warm, strong adults.  You have blessed us with your love, hugs and smiles.  You make me so proud to be you mother.

To my son-in-law and daughter-in-law; I love you.  You have brought joy, love and happiness to my children, so you have brought those same things to me.  I can't imagine our lives ever again without you.

To my grandchildren;  I love you.  Each of you bring a smile to not only my face but to my heart.  Many of you are too young to understand but some day you will.  You make my life have meaning. 

To my mother-in-law;  I love you.  Without you, your strength your love and your guidance I would not have the man I am proud to call my husband.  Thank you

To my brothers and sisters-in-law;  I love you,  Each and everyone of you complete this family.  Without you, none of us would be complete.  Thank you for loving all of us, when you didn't have to.

And last but not least.

To my nieces and nephews.  I love you.  You are the unique combination of all of us.  You are loving, funny, smart, beautiful both inside and out.  You all have hearts of gold.  You too bring a smile to my heart as well as my face.  No matter where you are or who you choose to go through life with remember, I am so proud to call you all my family.

And to all who may read this, remember without family we are alone.  No man can stand alone.

Have a Safe and Blessed day.

Wednesday, August 19, 2015

NOW IS THE TIME

Last week was to say the least, a very interesting week for the US and the world.  Secretary of State John Kerry said if Congress did not approve the Iran Deal the US dollar could lose its standing as the World Reserve Currency.  That very same day China did something unthought-of.  They devalued their own currency.  Only by five % but...  This increased our trade deficit without anything having been done by the US.

 For the past few years China, Russia and others have actively been working to remove the dollar as the World Reserve Currency.  This move China has made is in fact moving that plan along.  By devaluing their currency they will force other countries to do the same or incur higher trade deficits as well.  This then could lead to hyper-inflations and a world wide recession at best.  More likely a world wide depression. Putting them in a good position to have their currency as the new World Reserve Currency.

This is a very simplistic explanation.  Please take the time to research this further.

Now why am I telling you this?  Well as I have said in the past, we are and will be going through some hard times.  Now is the time we need to hone the skills of the past in order to make our way to the other side of this or any other crisis that may come our way.  If you are not debt-free please work a plan to get that way.  If your pantry is empty, please stock it as best as you can.  Remember buy one get one free is a good way to start.  If you think times are hard now, think what they will be like in a world wide depression.

As always, have a Safe and Blessed day.

Wednesday, August 12, 2015

JUST ONE MORE THING

Yesterday when writing about dehydrating I forgot to mention a couple of tips.  The first will make your frustration stay well within normal levels.  The trays you place your food on have grates which you will find are much larger than you think after the food is dehydrated.  This allows the food to fall through the grates.  So an easy and simple fix is to go to your local crafts store and purchase plastic canvas. It usually is somewhere in the vicinity of the yarn or yarn type crafts.  Cut each piece to fit your trays.  If you have a round dehydrator you may find you have to cut two semi-circles in order to make it fit.  That's what I had to do and it works well.

Another thing you may find, is you may have to let things dehydrate for a longer period.  Don't be concerned about that.  Humidity, moisture content in the veggies and the thickness of your cuts all play into the amount of time it takes to dehydrate.  So if your veggies are not dry and brittle let them continue until done.  As I've been told many times, this is not a race it will be done when it's done.

You should also label your jars as you go.  Believe me when you have a jar of green beans next to a jar of green peppers in strips, well I think you know where I'm going.  Just one more thing granddaughter number one reminded me, dehydrated corn is as good as candy.  So just a thought, if you have little ones around or someone with a sweet tooth, dehydrate extra corn.  It can disappear right before your eyes.

Have a Safe and Blessed day and remember, share your knowledge.

Tuesday, August 11, 2015

DEHYDRATING: MY NEW BEST FRIEND!

  Have you ever had that wonderful feeling, you know the one.  When your bed and sheets have accepted you as one of their own and they don't want to let you go.  No matter how loudly and rudely that mean screaming alarm rings.  Well I have and love knowing that my bed and sheets have accepted me so warmly.  Never the less that alarm just won't stop ringing no matter how hard you throw it.  So up I get to do my daily chores.  Starting with feeding the animals, collecting eggs and filling waterers.   Then onto breakfast, dishes, housework and collecting produce.  Somewhere in there comes running errands and canning, lunch, canning, dinner, dishes, Jeopardy, crocheting or needle work and then the wonderful moment I get to reunite with my bed and sheets.  As you can see my dilemma, canning is taking up a lot of time.  I really don't mind canning, I just would like to have time for a few other things.  But the produce has to be dealt with.  So what's a grandma to do?

As number one grandson used to say when he was just a few years old:  think, think, think (while he was tapping his little index finger on his chin), I know, I got an idea!  I've been watching a few videos on youtube about other methods of preserving food.  Lo and behold were these wonderful people expounding on the virtues of dehydrating.  I was thinking this looked good in theory but...  So I decided to give it a go any way.  My thought was I would set up the dehydrator and let it do its thing, while I did mine.  I would say this is the best thing since sliced bread, (but I'd rather not have sliced bread with all it's preservatives.)  So I'll just simply say I think I'm going to like this. 

Wash, slice and blanch are some of my favorite things to do now.  I said blanch because some folks say blanching some veggies shortens the dehydrating time as well and keeping items like celery from seeming woody when rehydrated.  If your thinking washing slicing and blanching is still going to take up a lot of time it really isn't.  I am running two dehydrators with seven trays at a time.  So once they're filled I'm done.   When the veggies are done dehydrating and the dehydrators are turned off, I let them sit for about thirty minutes to cool down.  Then I place the veggies in a quart jar.  Once the jar is full, I use my Food Saver Vacuum Sealer (with the lid sealer.)  You can also throw a oxygen absorber in before sealing the jar.  This isn't canning and you will have to keep a close eye out for spoilage.  However I'm told this is a good method for preserving food for long term storage. 

Just think, this winter when the wind is blowing and there's a cold rain coming down I can make a nice pot of hot soup without any worries.  I won't have to worry about not having fresh celery on hand because I can go to a jar pull some out and rehydrate it.  This will also go for carrots, onions and anything else I may want to throw into to the pot.

Oh yeah and lets not forget how much space you save.  I think I put about four pounds of corn in a quart jar.  That much corn would have used at least four quart jars if canned.

Have a Safe and Blessed day and remember, share your knowledge.



Thursday, June 11, 2015

APPROPRIATE PRECAUTIONS

So the last thirty six hours have been tense.  We all know having livestock brings a certain element of well danger.  Depending on what livestock you have, there could be broken bones, head injuries and other such things.  I'm not trying to over dramatize this but it is true.  Over the last week we have had a raccoon and a fox, way to close to the animals.  So after I posted yesterday we went out to feed the animals.  We found that one of our rabbit cages had been over turned and the little guy was out.  We also found he had been injured.  So hubby as gently as he could picked up the injured little guy.  Being hurt and scared he did a good job of scratching up hubby.  Well then the thought of how the rabbit had been hurt started running through our minds.  This is what made the last thirty six hours scary. We placed a cautionary call to the county health department to get an opinion of what to do next.  We were told rabbits are low on the Rabies threat scale but because of the fox and raccoon being so close to the animals testing would need to be done.  Good news, this afternoon we got the all clear call.  The rabbit was negative for rabies and of course our stress levels went down.


I'm telling all of you this for one reason. We all become complacent on our homesteads.  One day is the same as the next or so we think.  We can go through our daily routines being what we believe is careful.  But there are unseen risks such as rabies.  Just a reminder take appropriate precautions when dealing with your animals.  And as always be careful and safe.


God Bless

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

STILL GOING STRONG

So it's been a while since I last posted but that doesn't mean life on the homestead has stopped.  On the contrary it's been busier than ever.  Of course canning has been in full gear and the birth of many kids (goat) and bunnies have happened.  We currently have three ducks and several chickens taking turns sitting three nest.  It really is the funniest thing to see.  The ducks will set the nest and then one or more of the chickens will think it's their turn.  With a quick peck on the tail feathers, the ducks will go running across the yard letting all who will listen, know,  I'm not impressed. Then the chickens will take what they think is their rightful place on the nest.  It really is funny to watch.

I would be remiss if I didn't mention we now have a four month old lamb.  We had thought we might like to add a couple of lambs to the homestead as another source of meat but we weren't sure.  So we decided to try one (he's not lonely he's living with the goats).  Depending on how it works out, is whether or not we'll try this again.  Oh yeah number two grandson has named the newest member to the yard.  His name is the Great Maahh.  I'm also looking forward to the raw wool we will gain from the Great Maahh as well.

Our experiment last year with putting the garden in raised beds (made from cinder blocks) was a great success.  That led us to expand the concept and well the garden is huge. There are so many fresh veggies.  Number one grandson loves to help harvest and he is so funny.  Every time we harvest he says the same thing, "this is the biggest harvest ever". 

So as you can see we are still going strong.  I know this is short but the pressure canner is calling.  Don't forget to share your knowledge with someone else and of course have a Safe and Blessed day.